Ford and I LOVE NEW YORK Kick Off Summer; First-Ever Collaboration Encourages New Yorkers to Escape the City

New Ford Escape and the I LOVE NEW YORK campaign join in a creative collaboration to highlight world-class destinations and attractions across New York State with today’s kickoff of world’s largest Escape the Room drive experience at Skylight at Moynihan Station; event runs through June 26

Participants in Escape NYC: An Escape the Room Driving Experience will receive I LOVE NEW YORK and Ford-created digital Summer Escape Travel Guides highlighting the state’s diverse vacation regions to help plan their next perfect weekend escape

Campaign highlights Gov. Andrew M. Cuomo’s efforts to encourage New Yorkers and visitors to the state to take advantage of its diverse tourism destinations

NEW YORK, June 23, 2016 – Ford and the I LOVE NEW YORK campaign are inspiring summer travel by leveraging a popular interactive game to launch the new Ford Escape SUV and encourage participants to experience New York State beyond the island of Manhattan.

In a way that’s never been done before – using puzzles and clues to introduce consumers to the latest technology and features of the 2017 Ford Escape – the integrated New York State-themed experience incorporates elements from the iconic I LOVE NEW YORK. Escape NYC: An Escape the Room Driving Experience launches today and runs through June 26.

The kickoff is part of New York Gov. Andrew M. Cuomo’s efforts to grow the state’s economy by boosting the tourism industry. As summer gets underway, I LOVE NEW YORK and Ford are working together to encourage New Yorkers and visitors to the state to explore its diverse tourism destinations that span from the Finger Lakes to the Adirondacks.

To further highlight some of the hidden gems and key destinations across New York State, Ford and I LOVE NEW YORK are releasing digital Summer Escape Travel Guides featuring weekend and extended getaways that can be best enjoyed in the 2017 Ford Escape.

“We are excited to collaborate with Ford Motor Company and feature exciting destinations and attractions found across the state’s 11 vacation regions,” said Howard Zemsky, Empire State Development president, CEO and commissioner. “Through the interactive Escape the Room event and Summer Escape Travel Guides, we are encouraging participants to experience the rich culture, history, arts and beautiful outdoors the Empire State has to offer. There is something here for everyone, and we thank Ford for driving visitors to explore our great state.”

Escape NYC: An Escape the Room Driving Experience – occupying the historic Skylight at Moynihan Station across from Penn Station in Midtown Manhattan – is putting hundreds of players behind the wheel of a 2017 Ford Escape. Part of Gov. Cuomo’s sweeping plan to create an unparalleled 21st century transportation hub, both Moynihan Station and Penn Station are currently undergoing transformation.

Using Ford Escape’s available technologies – and their own wits – players will try to solve puzzles and successfully escape from an elaborate series of five rooms in one of the Empire State’s most iconic buildings. Along the way, they’ll discover a whole new side of New York, and themselves.

“Ford is thrilled to collaborate with I LOVE NEW YORK and game creator Victor Blake for the first-ever driveable Escape the Room experience,” said Ginger Kasanic, Ford experiential marketing manager. “Ford knows the experience will inspire consumers, especially millennials, to find their own adventure, and we want to help them get there.”

Escape NYC: An Escape the Room Driving Experience is open to the public. Walk-in spots are available each day, but space is limited and admission is not guaranteed.

The 2017 Ford Escape is available in showrooms now, with a starting MSRP of $23,600, plus taxes, title, delivery and license fees.

About Ford Motor Company

Ford Motor Company (NYSE: F) is a global company based in Dearborn, Michigan, committed to helping build a better world, where every person is free to move and pursue their dreams. The company’s Ford+ plan for growth and value creation combines existing strengths, new capabilities and always-on relationships with customers to enrich experiences for customers and deepen their loyalty. Ford develops and delivers innovative, must-have Ford trucks, sport utility vehicles, commercial vans and cars and Lincoln luxury vehicles, along with connected services. The company does that through three customer-centered business segments: Ford Blue, engineering iconic gas-powered and hybrid vehicles; Ford Model e, inventing breakthrough electric vehicles along with embedded software that defines exceptional digital experiences for all customers; and Ford Pro, helping commercial customers transform and expand their businesses with vehicles and services tailored to their needs. Additionally, Ford provides financial services through Ford Motor Credit Company. Ford employs about 174,000 people worldwide. More information about the company and its products and services is available at corporate.ford.com.

About Escape the Room

Starting with one game played in New York City in October of 2013, Escape the Room has grown into what is now known as the premiere live game and entertainment company in the United States. Developed by an all-star team of puzzle designers, theme park engineers and set designers, Escape the Room creates interactive, immersive games rooted in hyper-realistic scenarios with state of the art technology that sets the bar for experiential entertainment. With dozens of “rooms” in multiple cities across the country, including Atlanta, Boston, Dallas, Detroit, Houston, Milwaukee, New York, Philadelphia, Pittsburgh, Scottsdale, St. Louis, and Washington, DC, Escape the Room brings gaming into the real world. For more information, visit www.escapetheroom.com.

About New York State

New York State features 11 beautiful vacation regions. New York’s attractions span from landmarks such as Niagara Falls to the wine trails of Hudson Valley and treasures like the Baseball Hall of Fame in Cooperstown. Whether it’s wide-ranging outdoor activities for the whole family like hiking, culinary wonders and farm-to-table fresh foods, snowmobiling, skiing and snowboarding, or the rich history and culture of one of the 13 original colonies, New York State offers diverse activities for all travelers. For more information, visit www.iloveny.com. Media can find press releases and more at www.iloveny.com/thebeat.